The Basics of Planting Design: A Landscape Architect’s Perspective

Plants bring the landscape to life

Over my three decades as a landscape architect and garden designer, I’ve come to realize that planting design is both a science and an art. It requires a balance of technical knowledge, creativity, and a deep understanding of the spaces we create. Planting design is far more than selecting beautiful plants; it is about crafting experiences, solving practical problems, and bringing landscapes to life in a way that connects people to their environment.

Here, I’ll share the foundational principles of planting design that I rely on to create meaningful, resilient, and visually pleasing spaces.

1. Start with a Purpose

Planting design begins with asking, Why? Before considering colors, textures, or species, it’s essential to identify the purpose of the landscape. Is it meant to provide shade, privacy, or a habitat for wildlife? Does it need to mitigate erosion, soften a hardscape, or enhance a home’s architecture? Understanding the objectives of the space will guide every decision moving forward.

For example, in residential landscapes, plantings often serve dual purposes: aesthetics and functionality. Shrubs might provide screening from a neighbor’s yard while also framing views from a living room window. In public spaces, the focus may shift to durability, low maintenance, and year-round interest. Identifying these goals early on ensures that the planting design achieves what it’s intended to do.

2. Understand the Site

Every site is unique. Soil conditions, climate, sun exposure, moisture levels, and existing features all dictate which plants will thrive and where they should be placed. I often refer to this as “working with the site rather than against it.”

Conducting a thorough site analysis is critical. I examine the microclimates—the hot, dry corners versus shady, damp areas. I test soil composition to determine if amendments are needed or if the soil will support specific plant choices. Understanding the local climate, including temperature extremes and rainfall, informs plant selection and placement.

In the Gulf South, for instance, where I practice, humidity and intense summer heat demand careful attention to heat-tolerant, drought-resistant plants. Native species often provide the best solution because they’ve evolved to thrive in the local conditions.

3. Work with Layers

The most successful planting designs incorporate layers that mimic the natural structure of forests and meadows: the canopy, understory, shrub layer, and groundcover. This layered approach not only creates visual depth but also ensures ecological resilience and functional efficiency.

• The Canopy: Trees form the uppermost layer. They provide structure, shade, and vertical interest. In residential gardens, strategically placed trees offer shade to reduce cooling costs and create comfortable outdoor living spaces.

• The Understory: Smaller trees and large shrubs fill the mid-level, offering color, texture, and habitat.

• The Shrub Layer: Shrubs provide mass, seasonal interest, and screening where needed.

• Groundcovers: Perennials, grasses, and low-growing plants unify the space, reduce maintenance, and help suppress weeds.

  
  

Layering plants creates a natural flow, guiding the eye through the space while supporting biodiversity. Even in small gardens, this concept can be adapted by scaling down the size of each layer.

4. Prioritize Structure and Form

While flowers capture the most attention, it’s the structure of plants—their forms and overall shapes—that establishes the framework of a planting design. Evergreen trees, hedges, and architectural grasses create year-round interest and provide definition, even when seasonal flowers have faded.

Think of planting design like composing a photograph. The eye naturally seeks structure and focal points. Upright trees or vertical grasses can punctuate a garden, while rounded shrubs anchor the composition. Groundcovers weave the space together. Plants should be organized to create rhythm and balance, just as a painter uses brush strokes to lead the viewer’s eye across the canvas.

5. Use Color, Texture, and Contrast Thoughtfully

Color is a powerful tool in planting design, but it should be used deliberately. While it’s tempting to plant every flower that catches the eye, a well-designed landscape often relies on a restrained color palette to create harmony.

• Color: Cool colors like blues, purples, and greens recede, creating a calming effect, while warm colors like reds, oranges, and yellows draw attention and energize a space.

• Texture: Leaf size and surface texture add another layer of interest. Mixing fine, medium, and coarse-textured plants creates contrast and depth.

• Contrast: Pairing plants with different forms or colors enhances visual interest. For instance, feathery ornamental grasses can soften the bold foliage of large-leafed tropical plants.

  
  

I often design gardens with a foundation of greens and muted tones, punctuated by seasonal bursts of color. The goal is to strike a balance between energy and calm, ensuring that the garden feels intentional and inviting.

6. Choose the Right Plants for the Right Place

The mantra “right plant, right place” is fundamental to successful planting design. A plant that struggles to survive will never fulfill its purpose or potential. Understanding a plant’s cultural requirements—sun, soil, water, and climate—is essential.

I rely heavily on native and adapted plants that are well-suited to the local environment. These plants often require less water, fewer inputs, and minimal maintenance, making them sustainable and practical choices.

Additionally, plants should be chosen for their seasonal performance. I look for species that offer something throughout the year: spring flowers, summer foliage, autumn color, and winter interest.

7. Plan for Growth and Maintenance

A planting design isn’t complete without considering how it will evolve over time. Plants grow, spread, and change—sometimes faster than we expect. A small shrub can quickly outgrow its space if the mature size isn’t accounted for in the design.

I design with the long term in mind, spacing plants to allow for growth while avoiding overcrowding. Maintenance is another critical consideration. A garden should be as low-maintenance as possible while still achieving its goals. Mulching, proper spacing, and selecting plants that are well-suited to the site all contribute to reducing upkeep.

Final Thoughts

Planting design is about creating spaces that feel alive and connected—spaces that grow and change with the seasons and with time. It requires patience, vision, and an appreciation for the natural world.

As landscape architects and designers, we have the privilege of working with living materials to craft outdoor environments that bring joy, solve problems, and support life. By focusing on purpose, structure, and the inherent beauty of plants, we can create landscapes that stand the test of time.

Whether you’re designing a sprawling garden or a compact courtyard, the principles of planting design remain the same: start with the site, work with nature, and create something that resonates with the people who experience it.

In the end, a well-designed planting plan doesn’t just look good—it feels right, as though it belongs there. And that, to me, is the mark of success.